Creation, maintenance and integration of Debian packages

Creation of Debian packages

Creating a Debian package for a software requires adding some files
to a debian sub-directory in the sources of the application. Those files
describe the commands to execute in order to create the Debian packages.

The time required to complete a Debian package depends on the complexity and
the requirements of the software. Here are some situations increasing
the complexity of the work:

presence of dynamic libraries;

debconf usage to automatically configure the software;

non-compliance with the File Hierarchy Standard (FHS);

use of unusual build systems (that are different from autotools and
makefiles).

Once this work has been completed, Freexian may be able to integrate
the package in the main Debian archive provided that the software
is open source and that a maintenance contract has been subscribed.
Indeed, an official Debian package can't exist without a maintainer that
takes care of it.

Maintenance of Debian packages

Once the initial packaging work has been completed, the Debian package must
evolve to follow the changes made to the software itself but also
to its environment (in particular when it's integrated in the Debian archive).

Below is a non-exhaustive list of the tasks that Freexian will handle
as part of a Debian package maintenance contract:

update the package to conform to the latest version of the Debian
Policy;

integrate any new stable version of the software in the "unstable"
distribution of Debian

follow its migration into "testing" to ensure it gets included in the next
stable release of Debian.

The amount of work is more important for a popular software that regularly
receives bug reports. A high-quality software that is both stable and
portable will not cost much to maintain. We can help you choose the pack
that best fits your needs.

Assistance to integrate a package in Debian

Integrating a new package in the Debian archive requires
this package to be verified and uploaded by a Debian developer.
The same goes for any further update until the maintainer
is granted an official status that allows him/her to perform these
operations by him/herself (this status is Debian Maintainer).

Freexian may conduct preliminary reviews of your packages to ensure
their compliance with the usual norms of the Debian project. This
will increase your chances to find an official Debian developer willing
to integrate your packages in Debian. This iterative review process
will strengthen your knowledge of the Debian packaging and of the Debian
processes.

Freexian can also assist you in finding Debian developers
that are willing to "sponsor" your Debian packages ("sponsored upload" is the
term used to describe the upload of a Debian package prepared
by someone else).

Prices

Initial packaging

Package of 500 EUR + VAT for a small software without specific problems;

For other software, a quote will be prepared: a quick analysis of the
software and its documentation will be done to provide an estimate.

Maintenance and assistance to integrate a package in Debian

1 hour pack: 100 EUR + VAT

2 hour pack: 200 EUR + VAT (100 EUR/hour)

5 hour pack: 500 EUR + VAT (100 EUR/hour)

10 hour pack: 900 EUR + VAT (90 EUR/hour)

20 hour pack: 1800 EUR + VAT (90 EUR/hour)

50 hour pack: 4250 EUR + VAT (85 EUR/hour)

The time spent is calculated in slots of 10 minutes and the packs are valid for
one year from date of purchase. The time required for an initial package review
evidently depends on its size and its complexity, but it usually requires at
least 45 minutes.

If your package is not integrated in Debian, the maintenance contract
is not required, and you can simply ask for a package update whenever you want.
Hourly rate: 100 EUR + VAT.

Discounted rates are available for individuals and non-profit
associations. If you are in this position, contact
us.